Not Another Ghost Town indeed.
Taking its theme from roadside signs that starting appearing after the destruction of the Babine Forest Products sawmill near Burns Lake, B.C.-based photographer and film-maker Nicolas Teichrob’s recent video “Not Another Ghost Town” has had over 30,000 views.
Released on Pinkbike.com, one of the longest running and most popular mountain biking websites, the video highlights the quality of the local riding and the spirit of the Burns Lake mountain bikers and their community which made it possible.
“Burns Lake was in a unique scenario in 2012 and it was great to share the community vibe of the mountain biking community and the great trails that are present,” Teichrob said.
This doesn’t come as news to local riders who have been enjoying the consistent expansion of the trail network at Boer Mountain for many years.
Since forming in 2006, the Burns Lake Mountain Biking Association (BLMBA) has transformed the slopes of Boer Mountain in Burns Lake into the premier mountain biking destination in Northern B.C.
The BLMBA mission statement - Burns Lake is a world class mountain biking destination and vibrant mountain biking community - is one step closer to being officially recognized internationally.
The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), formed in 1988, represents over 35,000 members worldwide. They have recently invited the BLMBA to apply to have the Boer Mountain trail network designated as an IMBA certified ride centre.
There are three other IMBA destinations in B.C. Whistler, Rossland, and the South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park each have one certified-Epic trail representing highwater marks for the best in mountain biking world-wide.
‘Ride Destination’ certification, what BLMBA has been invited to apply for, refers to more than just one monumental, unforgettable trail, but to an entire trail network and the community that supports it. Not that Boer Mountain won’t eventually have that one unforgettable trail; it’s in the works, but not ready yet.
“Part of the criteria is the involvement of the community and infrastructure for riders - like places to eat, hospitals, and other services,” said Susan Russell, local BLMBA volunteer.
“If they think we are a possibility then an IMBA rep will visit and assess our community. I am optimistic as we have an awesome riding community, phenomenal trails and offer a one of a kind recreational holiday.”
In Burns Lake, services begin with Burnt Bikes, a full-service bike shop that also provides regular shuttle services at Boer Mountain, and extend to the entire Burns Lake community which has supported the trail system from the beginning.
The upcoming sixth annual Big Pig Mountain Biking Festival is slated for the Aug. 16-18. Sprucing up the trails for an influx of out-of-town riders has been a shared effort. Local volunteers and members of the Nadina Fire Zone crew in Burns Lake have been trimming overgrown weeds, shrubs, and grass. Last weekend 27 local riders got together for a Sunday weed-whacking blitz to get trails race ready.
Teichrob’s ‘Not Another Ghost Town’ is best viewed at: https://vimeo.com/67037247